Job Description
Field Office - Claims Specialist is listed by Field Operations. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is hiring Claims Specialists for its Clearwater, Florida Field Office.
In this role, you will serve the public directly by interviewing beneficiaries, gathering facts and evidence to establish eligibility for retirement, survivors, disability, and health insurance benefits, as well as Supplemental Security Income.
You will make critical decisions on benefit amounts, resolve discrepancies, and use state-of-the-art computer systems to manage claims. This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy problem-solving, have strong communication skills, and want to make a tangible difference in people's lives.
The role is full-time and permanent, with telework possible as determined by agency policy. Selections are made under Direct Hire Authority (DHA), meaning veterans' preference and the "Rule of Many" do not apply. This is not a virtual position; you will work onsite at the Clearwater Field Office.
Salary & Compensation
Salary: $40,736 - $80,243 per year.
Qualification
To qualify for the GS-5 level, you need three years of general experience or a bachelor's degree. For GS-7, one year of specialized experience at the GS-5 level or one year of graduate education is required.
GS-9 requires 52 weeks of specialized experience at the GS-7 level or a master's degree. All applicants must pass a Competency Assessment Interview Process (CAIP) interview.
- U.S. Citizenship required.
- Resumes exceeding two pages will not be considered.
- GS-5: Three years of general experience demonstrating ability to review problems, plan work, and communicate effectively; OR a bachelor's degree in any field; OR a combination.
- GS-7: One year of specialized experience at the GS-5 level assisting individuals with benefit entitlements, adjudicating claims, or evaluating benefit programs; OR one full year of graduate education; OR superior academic achievement with a bachelor's degree.
- GS-9: 52 weeks of specialized experience at the GS-7 level in claims adjudication or benefit program evaluation; OR a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree.
- All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date (July 31, 2026).
- Applicants must pass the Competency Assessment Interview Process (CAIP) to demonstrate aptitude for meeting and dealing with the public.
- Education completed in a foreign institution must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
- Part-time work is prorated in crediting experience.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Conduct interviews with the public to obtain, clarify, and verify information about initial and continuing eligibility for retirement, survivors, disability, and health insurance benefits.
- Determine eligibility for Supplemental Security Income including State supplements.
- Gather facts and evidence to establish eligibility for benefits.
- Make critical decisions to determine the amount of benefits paid to individuals.
- Resolve discrepancies, clarify issues, and make final decisions for initial and post-entitlement actions.
- Adjudicate and authorize entitlement or disallowance actions at all levels of difficulty and complexity.
- Use state-of-the-art computer technology to access and update information about claims.
- Speak with beneficiaries about their rights under Social Security laws.
Conditions & Requirements
- Selective Service Registration, if applicable (www.sss.gov).
- Job offers contingent on fingerprinting and background/security investigation.
- May be required to serve a 1-year probationary period.
- Relocation expenses will not be paid.
- Must pass Competency Assessment Interview Process (CAIP) interview.
- Selectees must complete an 11-13 week technical training class onsite at a designated SSA facility.
- Telework may be available as determined by agency policy; this is not a virtual position.
How You Will Be Evaluated
- You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications.
- Complete the online application and questionnaire (approx. 15 minutes).
- After basic eligibility determination, applicants must participate in a panel interview (CAIP) to demonstrate aptitude for meeting and dealing with the public.
- The CAIP interview covers typical job situations, in person or over the phone.
- Applicants must demonstrate clarity of speech, ability to listen, ability to establish confidence, and ability to organize and express thoughts clearly.
- Failure to pass the CAIP interview results in disqualification.
- Panel interviews may be conducted via video conferencing.
- Previous Meet and Deal results are not valid; you must complete the CAIP assessment.
Required Documents
- Resume (two-page maximum) showing work schedule, hours per week, dates of employment, and duties performed.
- Proof of education (transcripts) if qualifying based on education or satisfying an educational requirement.
- ICTAP documentation if claiming priority (proof of eligibility and most recent performance rating).
- Veterans' preference documents are not required under Direct Hire Authority.
- All documents must be submitted by the closing date (July 31, 2026).
Benefits
- Complete benefits package as a federal employee.
- Access to health insurance, retirement, and other benefits for you and your family.
- Eligibility depends on position type and work schedule (full-time, part-time, or intermittent).
How to Apply
- Read the entire announcement and instructions before applying.
- Go to the official application portal and open the vacancy announcement.
- With your the official application portal/Login.gov account.
- Complete the initial online application, including the questionnaire.
- Attach all required documents (resume, transcripts, etc.).
Additional Information
- This position is being filled under Direct Hire Authority (DHA) (SSA-001), open to all U.S. citizens.
- Veterans' preference and the 'Rule of Many' do not apply under DHA.
- Current civil service employees selected will receive new appointments to the civil service.
- Selectees must attend and successfully complete formal technical training onsite at a designated SSA facility.
- The duty location is the Clearwater Field Office at 2340 Drew Street, Clearwater, FL 33765.
- Interviews may be conducted via video conferencing.
- Contact the hiring agency for more information on benefits.
- Email inquiries about the position or application process to [email protected].
About Company
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is a federal agency that administers Social Security, a program that provides retirement, disability, and survivors' benefits to millions of Americans. SSA's Field Operations division is the public-facing arm, with local offices across the country that serve beneficiaries directly.
This Claims Specialist role is central to SSA's mission, as you will be the person who interviews applicants, gathers evidence, and makes decisions on benefit claims.
Working at SSA offers a stable federal career with structured advancement opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact on individuals' lives. Field Operations is named as the hiring organisation for the Field Office - Claims Specialist post.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common applicant questions about this position, eligibility and the application process.